Governance

Elizabeth 1

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  • Created by: ncs1997
  • Created on: 31-03-15 15:02

Elizabethan Government

Central Government.

  • The Queen was the centre of government. She was both chief execuive and head of state. She made most of the decisions.
  • To help her she had the royal court where the image and power of the monarchy was projected. To be a part of this gave a person influence, rewards and status.
  • The privy council was also extremely important. The members were the elite and chief advisors chosen by the Queen. They were to advise the Queen, carry out these decisions and take care of general administration.
  • Pariament's job was to raise taxes and pass laws.

Local Government.

  • Sheriffs for each county were appointed annually and were police officers, judges and government officials.
  • Justices of the Peace were also appointed annually and each county had about 18. They weren't paid but did the job out of honour. They maintained public order, implememted the law and judged some crimes.
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Patronage and Factions.

Patronage

Rewarding the ruling classes financially was a way of ensuring their loyalty. It could be gained by:

  • Being appointed to an official position
  • Being a part of Elizabeth's court - recieve a cheap lease on land, be awarded a monopoly, etc.
  • Gaining an honorific title.
  • Getting your town made into a Parliamentary borough.

Factions

Such competition for power led to fighting at the top of Government. Faction fighting between 1565 and 1572 became virulent with plot, counter-plot, deceit and treachery taking place.

These factions prevented Elizabeth's court from rising up against her unanimously, so Elizabeth encouraged the factions.

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How did Elizabeth control the Privy Council?

She took part in discussion so that the council wouldn't make decisions she didn't like.

Kept accurate notes.

Consulted with men outside the council e.g. foreign ambassadors.

Promoted divisions among the councillors.

Displayed anger but also affection.

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How did Elizabeth control the Privy Council?

She took part in discussion so that the council wouldn't make decisions she didn't like.

Kept accurate notes.

Consulted with men outside the council e.g. foreign ambassadors.

Promoted divisions among the councillors.

Displayed anger but also affection.

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